Digital technology is changing how people work, trade, access financial services and interact with governments. Mobile banking, digital payments, cloud platforms and government portals are becoming part of everyday life across developing countries. But as more economic activities move online, cyber risks are also increasing. Criminals target banks, businesses, hospitals, government agencies and individuals. A successful attack can stop services, expose sensitive information and create serious financial losses. For developing countries, the challenge is to expand digital services while ensuring that the systems supporting them remain safe and reliable. Countries need strong cybersecurity infrastructure built into their digital economies from the beginning. The Economic Cost of Weak Cybersecurity Cybersecurity is now an economic issue, not just a technical one. The global average cost of a data breach reached about $4.88 million in 2024, according to IBM research. For a developing country, a major attack against a bank, payment platform or government system can create consequences far beyond repairing computers. If a digital payment system becomes unavailable, businesses may be unable to receive payments, customers may lose access to services and confidence in digital finance may decline. Government systems face similar risks. Tax platforms, national identification systems, healthcare databases and public payment systems contain valuable information. If poorly protected, attackers can exploit them for fraud, disruption or data theft. Cybersecurity should therefore be treated as part of national economic infrastructure, alongside telecommunications and financial systems. Strong protection can help maintain public confidence and reduce the wider economic impact of cyber incidents. Building Security Into Digital Infrastructure Developing countries need to move from reacting to cyberattacks to preparing for them. This means investing in secure digital identities, protected government networks, encryption, multi-factor authentication, continuous monitoring and reliable backup systems. National Computer Emergency Response Teams, commonly known as CERTs or CSIRTs, help countries